12 Seasonal Desserts That Highlight Apples, Pears, and Pumpkins

Apples, pears, and pumpkins bring comforting flavors to the table once the cooler months arrive. From flaky pies to creamy cheesecakes, these fruits and vegetables shine in so many seasonal desserts. Here are some delicious ideas that show off their sweetness and warmth in simple yet satisfying ways.

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Classic Apple Pie with Lattice Crust

Few desserts feel more timeless than a homemade apple pie fresh from the oven. With a flaky crust, bubbling fruit, and warm spice aroma, it’s the kind of dessert that anchors holiday meals and family gatherings. Each slice is cozy, familiar, and satisfying.

You’ll need two pie crusts, 6–7 tart apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Finish with an egg wash and a sprinkle of coarse sugar.

Peel and slice the apples, toss with sugar, spices, and lemon juice, and fill the bottom crust. Weave a lattice top, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle with sugar. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, then reduce to 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes, until golden and bubbly. Cool at least 2 hours before slicing.

Caramel Apple Crisp with Oat Topping

Apple crisp is a no-fuss dessert that blends tender fruit with a crunchy, buttery topping. Adding caramel sauce makes it even richer, turning this simple dish into something truly comforting. It’s a favorite for weeknights or fall gatherings.

For the filling, use 6 sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and caramel sauce. The topping includes oats, flour, brown sugar, butter, and an optional handful of chopped nuts.

Spread the apples in a baking dish, drizzle with caramel, and scatter the topping evenly. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes until the fruit is soft and the topping is golden. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Apple Cider Donuts Rolled in Cinnamon Sugar

These donuts bring orchard flavors right to your kitchen. Soft inside and crisp outside, they’re rolled in cinnamon sugar for that classic finish. They taste best fresh, especially with a mug of hot cider.

You’ll need reduced apple cider, flour, sugar, eggs, butter, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix extra cinnamon and sugar for the coating.

Shape the dough into donuts and fry at 350°F (175°C) oil temperature for 1–2 minutes per side until golden. Drain on paper towels, then roll immediately in cinnamon sugar. Enjoy warm the same day for best flavor.

Upside-Down Apple Cake

Upside-down apple cake looks impressive but comes together easily. Caramelized fruit glistens on top of a soft sponge, making it equally good for guests or casual nights. Each slice delivers buttery apples and tender cake.

Use firm apples, butter, brown sugar, flour, sugar, eggs, baking powder, and vanilla. A splash of rum or brandy is optional.

Arrange apples over melted butter and sugar in a greased cake pan. Pour the batter over the top and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes until golden and springy. Cool 10 minutes, then invert onto a plate to serve.

Poached Pears in Red Wine and Spices

Poached pears are elegant and flavorful, with deep color and a fragrant spiced syrup. They look refined but require little effort, making them perfect for entertaining. The syrup alone is worth savoring.

You’ll need 4 firm pears, a bottle of red wine, sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise.

Peel the pears and simmer them in wine, sugar, and spices over medium-low heat for 20–25 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender. Remove pears and reduce the liquid for another 10 minutes into a syrup. Serve warm or chilled with mascarpone or ice cream.

Pear and Almond Tart

This French-style tart is a blend of nutty almond cream and sweet pears. It looks elegant but is surprisingly easy, making it a lovely centerpiece. The flavor is light, delicate, and satisfying.

You’ll need pastry dough, 3–4 pears, almond meal, butter, sugar, and eggs. Honey or apricot jam works for glazing.

Line a tart shell with almond cream, arrange sliced pears on top, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35–40 minutes until golden and set. Brush with glaze and cool slightly before slicing.

Honey-Roasted Pears with Whipped Mascarpone

Honey-roasted pears are proof that simple desserts can be memorable. As the fruit bakes, honey caramelizes into a glaze, creating a glossy, tender finish. Served with mascarpone, the result is both light and indulgent.

You’ll need 4 pears, honey, cinnamon or nutmeg, mascarpone, and vanilla. Nuts or granola are optional.

Halve and core the pears, drizzle with honey, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes until tender. Whip mascarpone with vanilla and serve with the warm pears. Sprinkle with nuts or granola before serving.

Traditional Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin pie is the ultimate holiday classic. Its silky custard filling and spiced aroma make it one of the most beloved seasonal desserts. A slice always feels like tradition.

Ingredients include pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, cream or condensed milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and a pie shell.

Mix the filling and pour into the crust. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes, then reduce to 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes until set. Cool at least 2 hours before serving with whipped cream.

Pumpkin Cheesecake with Gingersnap Crust

Pumpkin cheesecake combines creamy richness with warm spice. The gingersnap crust adds crunch and an extra layer of flavor. It’s festive, decadent, and always impressive.

You’ll need crushed gingersnaps, butter, cream cheese, pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, and spices. Optional toppings: whipped cream, caramel, or pecans.

Press the crust into a springform pan. Pour in the pumpkin filling and bake at 325°F (165°C) for 55–65 minutes, until almost set. Cool fully, then chill at least 4 hours before slicing.

Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl

Pumpkin bread is moist and flavorful, and the cream cheese swirl makes it even more special. It looks bakery-made but is easy to put together at home. Each slice is rich, spiced, and satisfying.

You’ll need flour, sugar, eggs, pumpkin puree, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cream cheese mixed with sugar and vanilla.

Pour half the batter into a loaf pan, spread the cream cheese mixture, and top with the rest. Swirl with a knife. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 55–60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool before slicing.

Pumpkin Roll with Spiced Cream Cheese Filling

Pumpkin roll is a festive dessert that looks as good as it tastes. Its spiral of spiced cake and creamy filling makes it a holiday favorite. It’s striking yet simple once you know the technique.

You’ll need flour, sugar, eggs, pumpkin puree, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cream cheese with sugar and vanilla.

Bake a thin sponge in a sheet pan at 375°F (190°C) for 12–14 minutes. Roll in parchment while warm to set the shape. Unroll, spread with cream cheese filling, and reroll. Chill at least 1 hour before slicing.

Apple-Pear Galette with Buttery Crust

A galette is rustic baking at its best. The combination of apples and pears makes for a filling that’s sweet, layered, and flavorful. Its free-form crust adds charm and keeps it low-stress.

You’ll need pastry dough, apples, pears, sugar, cinnamon, and an egg wash. Coarse sugar is optional.

Arrange fruit in the center of rolled dough, sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon, and fold edges loosely. Brush crust with egg wash and sprinkle sugar. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 35–40 minutes until golden and bubbling.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.